CFJC Today File Photo

By Victor Kaisar

YKA Stats

Reduced flights, ‘geopolitical factors’ lead to decline in spring passenger numbers at YKA

Jul 18, 2025 | 2:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — New data released by Kamloops Airport (YKA) shows there was a drop in the number of passengers during the spring of this year.

There were 65,971 passengers processed during the months of April, May, and June – a 10.5 per cent drop from the 73,721 seen during the same three month period last year.

There were 21,168 passengers this past April, 22,098 in May, and 22,705 in June. Each of those monthly numbers were also down – 18.8 per cent, 8.6 per cent, and 3.3 per cent respectively.

“The decrease is primarily due to reduced flight frequencies to both Calgary and Vancouver,” YKA Managing Director Jim Moroz said, in a statement. “While pre-pandemic service levels between Calgary and Kamloops resumed in May, flights to Vancouver continue to operate at a reduced frequency.”

“Furthermore, ongoing geopolitical factors have impacted transborder travel, further contributing to the overall decline.”

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Keeping your insurance rates low through ICBC

16h ago

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Addiction

Nov 04, 2025

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: November 3, 2025

Nov 04, 2025

There have been 144,722 passengers at Kamloops Airport through the first six months of this year. That’s a decline of 11.4 per cent from the 163,309 seen during the first six months of 2024.

YKA is on pace for around 290,000 passengers this year, which if it holds, would be a drop from the 310,507 passengers processed through 2024.

Moroz said YKA is encouraged by the launch of the new seasonal WestJet flight to Edmonton, which began operations earlier this month.

“As always, Kamloops Airport remains committed to working with all airline partners and communities to enhance the travel experience for both residents and visitors,” he added.